Infertility/Fertility/Mirena Methadone and Fertility

Me and my husband are trying to become pregnant with our 3rd child. In June I had my Mirena removed after having it for almost 5 years. After having it removed I tried to get off prescription pain pills( I was not on narcotics for an reason I was addicted to pai pills) When that did not work I started going to the methadone clinic. I am now successfully off pain pills but dose at 75mg of methadone daily. I started on 30mg and gradually went up. Immediately after beginning the methadone my periods stopped completely. I am slowly trying to wean myself off the methadone b/c we want a child so badly. I tried to become pregnant from June to Aug( In Aug I realized i was not breaking the addiction on my own and started on methadone) I did not become pregnant in those 2 months. I know that is no time but i did not even have to try to become pregnant with my first two. I guess my concern is is it possible the mirena(or methadone?) has caused fertility issues? My periods were never a normal 28 day cycle.. seems to be around 34 days or so. I tried ovulation tests and everything for those 2 months. I was just truly shocked we did not get pregnant. I was having sex 4 days straight that i though i was fertile. just some expert opinion on this situation would be nice. thanks so much!

AnswerHello April from the U.S. (Virginia),

First, you need to understand that Methadone is a narcotic but just a weaker narcotic than the pain pills you were taking before. It is a step toward getting off your addiction but you are not "off" it yet. I would recommend that you get completely clean before you attempt to become pregnant because this WILL affect the baby.

It takes the average woman under 30 years old, 8-12 months to get pregnant, so if you have not been trying for at least that long, it has not been long enough to worry that something is wrong. If you have been trying for 12 months and still no pregnancy, then you need to see a fertility specialist.

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Expertise

I am a specialist in infertility and advanced gynecological care. I can answer questions about infertility, gynecology related ills, menopause...virtually anything that affects women's health. PLEASE tell me where you are writing from as I am always interested.

Experience

I have been practicing as an Ob/Gyn and Infertility Specialist for over 23 years. Gynecology, advanced laparoscopic surgery, basic infertility, IUI's, IVF, reproductive surgery, and ovulation induction are all areas of my expertise. I am Board Certified. I have been doing In Vitro Fertilization in my clinic for 19 years.

OrganizationsAmerican College of OB/GYN, American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology, American Society of Reproductive Medicine, Society of Assisted Reproductive Technology, American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists, Fellow of The American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists,Resolve-National Chapter, Open Path - Northern California, Board of Directors Monterey Medical Society